Tucked into the quiet beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains just outside Brevard, North Carolina’s charming downtown, is the adult-only wilderness retreat, Meraki Escape. With two cabins to choose from —and more on the way— this should be on your list for five BIG reasons, and the fifth includes a gift code for booking, so be sure to check that out before you realize this is a place you have to see ASAP. 

Reason number one, the cabin’s themselves. We stayed in the Ukiyo Cabin, which in Japanese means “living in the moment, detached from the bothers of life” and lives up to its name. It’s hard not to live in the moment when everything you need is at your fingertips. Two patios, one open to the sun on warm days, one shaded with a hot tub and gas fire pit. A fully stocked kitchen with moveable table, normal-sized refrigerator (no hotel-sized anything here), and everything you may need to cook with, including oil, salt, pepper, etc. and a flow to the house that easily sweeps you from lounging in the living room, to cooking in the kitchen, to using the luxurious bathroom’s double rain shower and body jets, to resting your head on a king bed at night. 

Reason number two, the amenities. The cabin is fully stocked with every functional thing you may need, but it’s the extra mile that goes the furthest. Not every host adds chocolates or waters by the bed, or mouthwash and lotion by the bathroom sink. My favorite amenity was the breakfast box fully stocked with a collection of snacks and farm-fresh eggs. I could easily have chosen the hot chocolate setup, indoor gas fire place, or multiple ways to make coffee as my favorite amenity though as well. 

For those looking at the fine print and wanting the gritty details, yes it has wifi, and yes its fast. Also, there are two Smart TVs in the home, a microwave, good water pressure, and a mosquito screen in the bedroom so you can sleep with the French doors wide open. The yard is fenced in as well, so if you bring your pet, they have plenty of space to roam; yes, they are dog friendly and come with all the dog supplies if requested (may be an additional fee for some items.) Oh, and they even have a washer and dryer in the home, pretty unique! Click here for a full list of cabin amenities.  

The third reason you should add Meraki Escape as a vacation destination is their optional upgrades and experiences. This place caters to the couples and romantics out there, so naturally, the experiences err in that direction. Optional upgrades or classes include waterfall elopement setups, signature dining experiences, spa and wellness massages and classes like herbal/ medicinal walks, sound bath or privately lead yoga, and adventures like fishing or guided trail runs. We took a private painting class and it was so much fun to have someone guide a skill neither my husband or I are naturally gifted at.

We also upgraded our stay to include the “Two Hearts” Luxury couples package. Which was the best decision to enhance the romance on our trip. Not only did we arrive to red roses on the table and chocolate covered strawberries, but were gifted Biltmore Estate welcome wine and souvenir long-stem wine glasses along with a Christmas ornament to remember our stay and the sweetest hand-written note. However, the BIGGEST reason we booked this package was for the 60-minute couples massage which can optionally take place underneath a gorgeous waterfall, and a private 3-course, chef prepared dinner under the stars. This package would make the ultimate honeymoon, anniversary, or elopement experience. Here is a full list of classes and upgrades to check out. 

Reason number four, the surrounding area. Brevard offers a striking natural backdrop often called the “Land of Waterfalls,” with more than 250 cascading falls scattered throughout nearby forests. Outdoor lovers can explore trails in Pisgah National Forest, bike scenic mountain routes, or take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. On property, Meraki Escape has hiking trails, yoga landing pads by the creek, and an elopement setup with beautiful natural forest backdrop. In fact, the 10 acres of land sits within a temperate rainforest! So expect lots and lots of green, lush leaves, colorful flowers in summer, and creeks flowing all year long. 

Lastly, the fifth reason you will want to book with Meraki Escape is because they are letting me offer you the best booking gift! Use code SUNSHINE —like my website, Class and Sunshine— and when you book 2 or more nights at Meraki Escape, you’ll be gifted their signature Champagne Celebration: Three items at a $165 value only available to those who use the special code SUNSHINE. 

BOOK HERE

It includes champagne thoughtfully placed in your cabin before your arrival, ready to be popped the minute you walk through the door, two keepsake champagne glasses to take home and remember the experience, and artisan chocolates. From personal experience, I would have dropped the value of this gift on the chocolates alone, they were so good. 

Keep in mind they only have two cabins on property and I know for a fact they will book out certain times of year months in advance, so definitely don’t wait if you have preferred travel dates. Also, a couple terms to keep in mind, this only counts if you book 2 or more nights, can’t be combined with a package upgrades or other promotions, the code SUNSHINE will only work on stays that take place before December of 2027 (long time from now), and to utilize the gift, book any month other than July, October, November or over a holiday as the gift wont be granted during those times. Obviously no cash value or transferring and standard restrictions may apply, BUT thats all pretty standard. 

As always, reach out to me with any questions, or watch my full experience on instagram. Both my husband and I really enjoyed our stay and I am sure you will too!